Tracheal shave

[Gabriela]

Hi all, sorry I haven’t been on here in awhile!

I have a few questions that I’ve been wondering about and I’d greatly appreciate some answers!

I have been on hormones (patches) but I had to stop them because they caused irritation on my skin and the spiro was making me nauseous, I’m thinking about injections but not sure! So I have been thinking while I take a break from my hormones I can get my tracheal shave done!

1) what do I need to do to get this surgery?
2) how much do u think the cost will be?
3) do I need a letter from some Dr?
4)would this surgery affect my breathing?
5) is the recovery difficult like how painful is it?
6) would insurance agree to cover it?
7) did you feel more confident when you got tracheal shave done!

 

thank you all! Stay safe! 

[Jackie C.]

This isn't one I did (I have no Adam's apple to speak of), but I remember someone on this site had it done. Any takers?

 

Hugs!

[Vidanjali]

2 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

someone on this site had it done

 

I recall Agnes Bardsie had it done, but we haven't seen her for a while, and when I tried to tag her on this post, her name no longer came up. I actually think of her from time to time because she was such a sweetheart. 

[Jani]

8 hours ago, Gabriela said:

1) what do I need to do to get this surgery?
2) how much do u think the cost will be?
3) do I need a letter from some Dr?
4)would this surgery affect my breathing?
5) is the recovery difficult like how painful is it?
6) would insurance agree to cover it?
7) did you feel more confident when you got tracheal shave done!

 

thank you all! Stay safe! 

1) My therapist didn't think I needed it but I did.  You need to decide for yourself.

2) I don't recall.  Several thousand.

3) No letter needed.

4) It won't affect breathing.  Your throat will be sore for a say or so form breathing tube while you're under.

5) Its not difficult to heal.  No pain in the surgical area.

6) No.

7)Yes!!

[Gabriela]

Thank you all for replying to me! 😄

[KathyLauren]

15 hours ago, Gabriela said:

Hi all, sorry I haven’t been on here in awhile!

I have a few questions that I’ve been wondering about and I’d greatly appreciate some answers!

I have been on hormones (patches) but I had to stop them because they caused irritation on my skin and the spiro was making me nauseous, I’m thinking about injections but not sure! So I have been thinking while I take a break from my hormones I can get my tracheal shave done!

1) what do I need to do to get this surgery?
2) how much do u think the cost will be?
3) do I need a letter from some Dr?
4)would this surgery affect my breathing?
5) is the recovery difficult like how painful is it?
6) would insurance agree to cover it?
7) did you feel more confident when you got tracheal shave done!

 

thank you all! Stay safe! 

 

1. Ask the surgeon for it.  Plus being able to pay for it.

2. Mine was $5000.  But some fees were included in the GCS that I had done at the same time.  A stand-alone surgery would likely be more.  But it depends on the surgeon.

3. No.  It is considered a cosmetic procedure.

4. No.

5. I didn't even notice it, to be honest.  All my attention was at the other end.

6. It depends on your insurance.  It is a cosmetic procedure, so probably not.

7. It didn't make a huge difference.  I can still see my adam's apple.  But I feel more confident knowing that I have done all that I can about it.

 

The surgeon warned me that there is a limit to how much they can reduce it.  If they cut too much, you lose tension on the vocal cords and the pitch of your voice drops.  Not good.

 

Regarding the patches, try other brands.  My doctor started me on the Sandoz generic patches.  They are nasty, and caused some painful burns.  I switched to Estradot, and have had no trouble since.  The Estradot patches have an adhesive that is milder on the skin, but sticks better in the shower.  And they are about a tenth the size of the Sandoz, so I don't have to re-use the same patch of skin so often.  My insurance doesn't cover as much of the cost as they do of the generic, but to me the comfort is worth the extra cost.

[Aggie1]

Hi yes this is Agnes! I’ve been lurking and making one or two posts once in a while.
 

I did have it done through Keizer. Only paid $300 out of pocket. All that was needed was a letter from the the gender pathways clinic. They were very helpful with ideas and suggestions when I first approached them, and a tracheal shave was one of their recommendations.
 

I was surprised by how quickly they scheduled me. It was originally set for a few months out but someone cancelled and they asked me if I could come in sooner. 
 

The recovery was very quick and they made the incision on a crease line so it isn’t noticeable. It had no effect on my voice box, but since my Adam’s apple was prominent it has definitely helped in the self confidence department.

 

I have been using a brand of patches called Dotti and have had zero problems with them. I have seen 2 to 3 inches of growth in the past year but it seems to have slowed down. 
 

I have been very happy with Keizer so far, and am talking with them about the next steps, vulvoplasty. 
 

Good luck.

[Aggie1]

16 hours ago, Vidanjali said:

 

I recall Agnes Bardsie had it done, but we haven't seen her for a while, and when I tried to tag her on this post, her name no longer came up. I actually think of her from time to time because she was such a sweetheart. 

Hi there! Thanks for the compliment! You’re a sweetheart too! I love your stories about the butterflies!

 

I changed my name on the site to Aggie1 which is probably why the tag didn’t work! Sorry about that. I’ve been busy living life being comfortable with myself in the “real world” doing what I’ve always done but feeling much more free to be myself. So far nobody has rejected me. My worst fears never materialized. I’m going hiking in the morning with a friend from my walking club, 17 miles with a full pack, tent, sleeping bag, camelbak, etc and we will be doing an overnight to shake out the equipment and practice for a longer stretch along the Pacific Crest Trail. The goal is to walk the 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada one day! 

[Vidanjali]

@Aggie1 ! Happy to hear from you & glad you're doing so well! ❤️🤗❤️

[Susan R]

23 hours ago, Aggie1 said:

The recovery was very quick and they made the incision on a crease line so it isn’t noticeable. It had no effect on my voice box, but since my Adam’s apple was prominent it has definitely helped in the self confidence department.

Congratulations @Aggie1! Sounds like everything was a success and you’re recovering in very good spirits. I’m happy it all went well…my best to you!

 

Hugs,

Susan R🌷

[stveee]

On 9/3/2022 at 1:48 AM, Gabriela said:

Hi all, sorry I haven’t been on here in awhile!

I have a few questions that I’ve been wondering about and I’d greatly appreciate some answers!

I have been on hormones (patches) but I had to stop them because they caused irritation on my skin and the spiro was making me nauseous, I’m thinking about injections but not sure! So I have been thinking while I take a break from my hormones I can get my tracheal shave done!

1) what do I need to do to get this surgery?
2) how much do u think the cost will be?
3) do I need a letter from some Dr?
4)would this surgery affect my breathing?
5) is the recovery difficult like how painful is it?
6) would insurance agree to cover it?
7) did you feel more confident when you got tracheal shave done!

 

thank you all! Stay safe! 

I had mine done when I was about 3 months into HRT and ended up seeing one of the only Doc's who does FFS in our state. It cost me a couple grand, insurance doesn't cover but I happened to have savings. 

The 24 hours after is the only uncomfortable bit coming off the sedative meds. They typically take off cartilage/bone on the safe side so it's just not going to have that bump. Keep the surgical strips on for a few weeks until they literally fall off. 

Looking back I am glad I did it even though to normal people it may seem like a lot of trouble to go through. 9 months later the scar is just starting to look like normal skin. Obviously my laser tech has left that area be, and will for a few more months until the scar tissue is completely healed.

[Gabriela]

Thank all so much, really from the bottom of my heart!😊

your replies make me feel less lonely in my journey!